Perú: Etiquette & Tipping

When tipping in Peru, please do not give coins. Tipping does not happen offen BUT when you take a service people DON’T LIKE at all, when they see coins. For them is better you say “Thank you” rather than coins.

Tipping

Most restaurant and bar bills include a 10% gratuity. It’s customary to add an extra 10% if the service has been satisfactory. Most Peruvians only tip one or two Soles at small “mom and pop” restaurants that do not add a tip to the bill.

It is true that Peruvians are not big tippers, however, tipping is a great way to show your appreciation to the people serving you and to have your dollars go straight into the pockets of the people that need it most, a 10 to 20% tip will be warmly accepted at any restaurant and will put a surprised smile on a person’s face.

Taxis do not expect tips. Fares are negotiated prior to initiating the trip.

Hotel porters and bell boys expect a tip of $ 1 per bag.

Etiquette

by Free Walking Tour Cusco

Dress

The high-end restaurants will expect you to wear something else than jeans or Bermudas. A nice pair of pants and a long sleeve shirt will do much better. In winter time you will look sharper by using a blazer or a leather jacket.

“Casual” or “sport” dress codes mean Dockers (khakis/chinos) or better, with a shirt and sweater or jacket. “Sport elegante” means you will be wearing a coat but no tie. “Elegante” or “formal ” will mean for sure you will wear a tie.

Always wear coat and tie to a cocktail party.

If you are invited to play golf, do NOT wear jeans as you will not be allowed to enter the course (same applies for ladies).You are expected to wear proper golf attire, no cutoffs or bathing suits and t-shirts. Only soft spikes please.

Dining Out

You can ask for non-smoking areas at the restaurants. Be sure you make reservations ahead of time, especially for dinner at well-known restaurants. You will be surprised at how crowded they get.

Unless you are going to a restaurant frequented by tourists, you will be expected for lunch between 1:30 and 3:30 and for dinner between 8:30 and 11:30.

Events

Peruvians are not known for their punctuality. If you are invited to a house, you will normally be expected to arrive at least 30 minutes after the invitation time. You should bring a bottle of wine or flowers or chocolates for the house-lady. Wear nice clothing, do not come wearing jeans unless you know your hosts pretty well and they say so. If you are invited for lunch, food will normally be served after 3 pm, for dinner after 10 pm.

For weddings, you should arrive 30 minutes after the hour of the invitation at the church. Always wear a tie and coat.

General Courtesy
If you want to impress your Peruvian girlfriend and future parents-in-law be sure you are always courteous to her. Open her car door before you get in. You should do the same upon arrival to your destination.

Ladies always before you, when entering an elevator or a room.

When a lady sitting next to you at a restaurant stands up, you are also expected to do the same. When she returns to the table, you should also stand up.

When wine or drinks are poured, everyone waits to be served and everyone says “salud” before you start drinking.